When researching the cost to replace electrical panels, there are many things to consider. Before starting the project, knowing the estimated electrical panel replacement cost is important.
The cost to replace electrical panels is about $1,630 to $4,070, with the average US household paying about $2,730 for professional electrical panel replacement, including labor costs. You can use our electrical panel replacement cost calculator below to estimate your local cost.
Replacing an electrical panel is a major electrical job requiring a licensed electrician’s expertise. It also can be expensive, depending on the scope of electrical work involved and any additional parts or wiring needed. If you’re considering replacing your electrical panel, it’s important to understand what goes into calculating the cost before making any decisions.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fire departments fight an estimated 32,160 residential electrical fires annually caused by older electrical panels and faulty lighting components in older homes.
Like all electrical projects, the cost to replace electrical panels can vary depending on different factors like:
- The amount of electrical work that needs to be done to complete the upgrade
- The size new panel you’ll be installing
- Will you need to relocate the electric panel
- The number of branch circuits you’ll need to add during the electric panel replacement
- Will the electrical service upgrade require an increase in amperage
Master Electrician Thomas Hawkins of Electricians Apprentice HQ told us that the average cost to replace electrical panels is around $2000, which will depend upon many factors. The higher your panel size or needs, the higher the cost.
Average Cost to Replace Electrical Panel?
When estimating how much does it cost to replace an electrical panel, you can use an electrical panel cost calculator! Make a few selections from the options below and select your state to get an estimate that considers the regional cost of living.
Get FREE estimates from licensed electricians in your area today. Whether you need to replace an outlet, hang a ceiling fan, a new electrical panel, or repair wiring, We Can Help!
How Much Electricity Does Your Home Need?
In modern homes, 200 amps are usually enough to operate most household appliances, air conditioners, and even well pumps. However, suppose you’re looking into adding more machines or gadgets that require electricity in your home. In that case, it is important to remember that these changes could affect your overall power requirements.
If your residential home has larger electrical needs, it is wise to utilize a residential electric load calculator to evaluate and determine the amount of amperage necessary for optimal operation. It’s typically advised that 400 amps and commercial electrical installations be installed in these cases.
- 100-Amp Panel: replacing a 100 amp electrical panel can cost up to $2,035 depending on the available labor and the local electrical code. The national average is around $1,365, but some states may be lower than that at as low as $815.
- 150-Amp Panel: replacing a 150 Amp electrical panel costs around $2,048 on average – though depending on the complexity and location, prices can fluctuate between a low of $1,223 and a high of up to $3,053.
- 200-Amp Panel: On average, replacing a 200 Amp electrical panel costs $2,730. Prices can range from a low of $1,630 to as much as $4,070, depending on where you are and how exhaustive the job is.
- 400-Amp Panel: replacing a 400 amp electrical panel costs between $3,260 and $8,140 depending on residential or commercial complexity and location – the US average costs around $5,460.
A licensed electrician can provide a detailed quote on the actual cost of replacing the electrical panel. The cost to replace the electrical panel may include labor, materials, and necessary permits to connect to the utility company.
Other Electrical Panel Replacement Costs
Replacing an electrical panel is often only the beginning of the electrical panel upgrade costs associated with a new breaker panel or modernizing your electrical system; additional costs like a main disconnect, subpanel, move panel, and meter box can quickly add up.
Cost to Replace Main Service Disconnect
Several factors, such as size and complexity, come into play regarding the cost of replacing a main circuit breaker. But if you are lucky enough to have a pre-wired environment beforehand, the installation is surprisingly affordable, with costs ranging from $150 to $350.
Nonetheless, expenses can soar quickly if intricate wiring needs to be done for a new main breaker. Professional installation costs range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the conditions of your space.
Cost to Replace a Subpanel
Regarding sub-panel installation, the charges depend on various factors such as size and type of wiring used. Generally speaking, for a regular residential subpanel replacement with basic wiring, you are likely to incur anywhere from $500 to $2,000.
| Sub-panel Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 50 amps | $530 to $1,415 |
| 100 amps | $1,040 to $2830 |
| 150 amp | $1,448 to $3,848 |
| 200 amp | $1,855 to $4,865 |
Cost to Move an Electrical Panel
When it’s time for electrical panel replacement, you may need to move your existing panel to a new location to meet the new National electric codes and make access more convenient. The cost of moving a panel is mainly determined by how far you’ll have to move it.
| Distance to Move Electrical Panel | Cost |
|---|---|
| Short distance (10 feet or less) | $800 to $1,200 |
| Longer distance or extensive rewiring | $1,200 to $4,000 |
Cost to Replace Meter Box
Various factors come into play regarding the cost of replacing older meter boxes. The complexity of your installation and any additional permits will influence the final price tag. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 – $800 for a basic meter box installation.
Replacing your meter box with some rewiring can cost $1,500 to $4,000 for the entire project, including trenching, underground conduit service wire, and the actual box installation. For an overhead service setup, expect to shell out from $1,250 to $2,850, covering a single pole/mast with weather head attachment, wiring, main circuit breaker switch, and new meter box.
| Electric Meter Box | Cost |
|---|---|
| Meter box only | $200 to $800 |
| Underground service with meter box | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| Overhead service with meter box | $1,250 to $2,850 |
Why You Should Replace an Electrical Panel?
Replacing outdated electrical panels is essential to protect the safety and efficiency of your home’s electrical network. Without replacing older panels, you may be unable to manage growing demands for electricity in today’s homes – leading to outages, electrical circuit breakers tripping, or even worse – fire risks!
To keep your family and home safe, old panel replacement is wise to withstand unexpected electrical issues.
Additionally, insurance companies usually mandate an electrical panel replacement when you have outdated fuse boxes or faulty panels like Federal Pacific, as they are known as a fire hazard.
You may need to replace a breaker box when:
- there are flickering lights, a burning smell, signs of wear and tear, or other electrical safety issues present
- considering remodeling your home and require electrical system upgrades
- you have an existing fuse panel or any old breaker box brands
- adding new major large appliances
- adding solar panels to your home
- adding a whole-house generator
- adding an EV charger for an electric car
- adding a hot tub or swimming pool
- adding an air conditioner or a new heat pump system
Homeowners can save money on replacing electrical panels by shopping around and comparing quotes from different contractors.
Will You Need to Rewire Your House?
Electrical panel replacement doesn’t always necessitate a complete rewiring; in many instances, only the faulty wiring will need repair. While grounded electrical wiring is ideal, ungrounded wiring does not necessarily have to be changed when making improvements or repairs.
As the National Electrical Code (NEC) recommended, GFCI protection is a good idea for wiring that lacks ground. This device can recognize potential danger and promptly shut down power to avoid electrocution. It indicates when professional maintenance or repair services are necessary by an expert electrician. Ensuring your safety should always be a top priority!
Cost to Replace Electrical Panel FAQs
When researching the electrical panel replacement costs, you will have additional questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning the cost of replacing electrical panels.
How much does it cost to put in a new electrical panel?
The cost to replace an electrical panel depends on the project’s size, type, and complexity. Factors such as local labor rates, additional materials, and other required services will affect the total cost. It’s best to contact a licensed electrician to get an accurate estimate for your specific job.
How much does it cost to replace a 200 amp electrical panel?
The cost to replace a 200 amp breaker box will depend on the particular panel and other materials needed, as well as labor costs. The estimated US average cost to replace electrical panels is $2,730.
How often should an electrical panel be replaced?
In most cases, an electrical panel should be replaced every 25 to 40 years. If the panel is over 25 years old or showing signs of wear, it may need replacement. It is important to have a qualified electrician inspect your electrical panel annually to ensure that any necessary repairs or replacements can be made promptly.
Is it worth upgrading the electrical panel?
It depends on the condition of the current panel. If it is outdated, not functioning properly, or has other potential safety hazards, replacing electrical panels is worth it. However, if the older electrical panel is working fine and up to code, replacement may not be necessary.
How long does it take to change an electrical panel?
The amount of time it takes to replace an electrical panel can vary depending on the complexity and size of the panel. Generally speaking, a basic replacement can take two to four hours for professional electricians to complete the job. More complex jobs can take a few days to finish.
Do you need a permit to replace an electrical panel?
You will most likely need an electrical permit to replace an electrical panel. You should check with your local municipality or power company to see what requirements must be met to obtain the necessary permit to connect.
